Lessons Learned From a Knowledge-Matching Participatory Research Approach Involving Law Students and Older Adults as Peer Researchers

Abstract

The popularity of engaging community members as peer researchers is growing. The existing participatory research involving older adults appears to suffer from two main issues. First, older adults are rarely positioned as equitable research partners. Second, a paradox may exist between capacity building and an authentic lay perspective of older adults. This article adopted a knowledge-matching participatory approach to address these two issues. Seven older adults and four law students were trained as peer researchers to work with two academic researchers on a project about financial well-being in retirement. This article documented the research process and reflected the benefits, challenges, and best practices associated with this approach by analyzing transcripts from three reflective meetings, written reflections, and field notes from all peer and academic researchers using a thematic analysis approach. Results outline the experiences and reflections of using knowledge-matching participatory research for academic researchers and peer researchers, as well as for research processes and outcomes. The advantages of extending methodological amplitude, leveraging older adults’ capacity, partnership matching, and empowerment are shown by the knowledge-matching participatory methodology. The establishment of capacity building, partnership development, and agenda flexibility are essential elements of success. We further discussed power disparity, partnership conflicts, and ethical dilemmas. Researchers and practitioners can utilize the findings, methodological approaches, and lessons learned in their studies aiming at engaging older adults in improving health and social well-being in later life.